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2009 Report to the Community

Progress Edition 2010

Community Foundation of Shelby County
Contact: Marian Spicer, 497-7800    mspicer@commfoun.com

The charitable funds and donors of the Community Foundation of Shelby County stepped up to provide more than $800,000 in grants in 2009 to support community organizations and projects,” reported Marian Spicer, executive director. “The Foundation added to its staff and helped local organizations and families to establish new charitable funds.”
The local not-for-profit community foundation administers more than 110 charitable funds that award scholarships, provide grants to local organizations, and support charitable programs and community projects.

Nearly $37,000 was given to local food pantries and meal programs as part of the Community Foundation’s Food Relief Program. Donor advised charitable funds and local residents joined the Founders Fund, a community granting fund, to make grants to seven organizations based upon the number each served in 2009. The Food Relief Program was initiated in response to the increased numbers being served by food pantries and meal programs as a result of job loss.

Kristine Poland joined the staff in June in the new position of grants associate. She assists charitable funds with the grants they issue.

Several charitable funds were established last year:

• The Doc and Hilda Francis Family Scholarship Fund will award its first scholarships this spring to Russia graduating seniors. Two renewable scholarships will be offered.
  The Houston Athletic Complex Fund is accepting gifts for the construction of a track and other outdoor athletic facilities at Houston High School. A fundraising campaign is underway.
  
• The Elaine Laughlin Scholarship Fund was established to award a scholarship to a graduating senior from Shelby County. The scholarship fund is in memory of Laughlin, a long-time teacher at Hardin-Houston Local Schools.
  
• The Sidney Rotary Charitable Fund will help support the club’s community donations and scholarships. The Club reached its initial goal of $25,000 and now will work toward growing the fund to higher levels.
  
• The Zielsdorf Family Fund was established by Bob and Fran Zielsdorf. The donor advised fund will seeks the donor’s input regarding organizations to receive grants.
  Gifts for these funds are welcome at any time and in any amount. Gifts should be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with the intended fund noted on the memo line.
  
• Additionally, a local couple created a charitable fund agreement that will establish a new charitable fund through their estate. Individuals and couples may outline the purpose of their charitable funds during their lifetimes so that the future gift is used as the donor intends.

The Community Foundation held its annual Donors and Partners celebration in September. The event welcomed Partners and those who have created charitable funds in the past. Community Foundation Partners are those who have contributed to the Partners Fund in support of the Foundation’s operations.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Foundation sponsored the Shelby County Applefest Children’s area in September. The area featured free performances, crafts and activities for kids.

The 2010 Community Foundation officers are Dan Bensman, Chairman; Ken Monnier, Vice Chairman; Keith Daniel, Secretary; and Bruce Boyd, Treasurer. Trustees are Ed Borchers; Andy Counts; Mardie Milligan; Judy Westerheide; and Priscilla Wilt. Staff members are Marian Spicer, executive director, Barbara Stueve, administrative assistant and Kristine Poland, grants associate.

In 2010, the Foundation will look to increase services to those who wish to donate to charitable causes in the community. Foundation staff and volunteers also hope to raise the awareness among potential donors of giving to existing charitable funds.